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Columbia Sportswear case (review)

I am always looking for a better case for my Visor Deluxe- something that looks good, is trim, and holds a few extra itmes (eyemodule, pen/stylus, batteries...)

At a local camping store, I found a Columbia Sportswear PDA Case. It is odd looking- mine is olive and black, although they offer other colors as well. It is a bit hard ot describe, nad the Columbia website does not seem to picture them, so, here it goes...

The basic design is a simple pouch, the front is folded up and the top folds over with a Velcro flap. One one side panel are two pen sleeves, big enough to hold two AAA batteries, but open on the bottom. On the other side is an odd zipper. Slide it down and it reveals a wedge of mesh fabric that makes the main compartment larger. The zipper tab is big, easy to grip, and actually looks a bit out of proportion.

In front is a full size gusseted pocket almost big enough for the Visor on it's own! The bottom of the puch is reinforced with a black chunk of tough nylon. The back features a sturdy loop and a simple but effective Velcroed belt loop. The flap is oddly shaped, and when closed, does not really cover up the top corners of the pouch.

With the side zipper closed, a Visor is a little loose in the pouch, and with it open, there is just enough room for a Visor and a Stowaway (although there better not be much in the front pocket- and the top flap just barely catches.)

The workmanship is excellent- no loose threads, no bad stiching. The protection level is harder to guage. There is some padding, and the edges are stiff and protrude a bit. Overall,it offers decent protection, but is a bit open tothe elements (odd to see in a bag from an outdoors company!)

It cost $10.00, which is an excellent selling pointof its own! It easily accomodates my VDX with a FlipLid, and the front pocket holds my Eyemodule and batteries with room to spare. I ought to stich one pen pocket closed and use that for the batteries, then tuck a small notepad in the front pocket.

The colors at my local store were olive and black (mine!), black on black, and a dark Royal blue and black. All look sharp.

I like the idea of a puch that can hold a Stowaway, then zips up to take up the slack when the keyboard is not carried- although the expansion on one side only seems a bit odd. I wish it allowed a little more space for a more comfortable fit for both, but it really is not too bad.

The overall look is a bit outdoorsy, but clean and sharp enough for casual business as well.

If I figure out how to, I'll shoot a photo with the Eyemodule and post it as well.

Please do shoot a photo...sounds interesting!

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